External Wall Surveys (EWS1) and PAS 9980 Fire Risk Appraisals in Brighton
Fire Engineering Consultancy provides EWS1 assessments and PAS 9980 Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls (FRAEWs) for residential and mixed-use buildings throughout Brighton and the wider Sussex region.
We work with building owners, managing agents, housing associations, developers and lenders, providing independent fire engineering assessments of external wall systems and associated fire safety risks.
Our assessments are based on a detailed review of the building’s construction, available design information, fire safety measures and, where necessary, intrusive investigations to confirm the external wall build-up.
EWS1 Assessments in Brighton
The EWS1 process was introduced to support the valuation and lending process for residential buildings where concerns may exist regarding the external wall construction.
Depending on the building and the information available, an assessment may include:
- Review of design and construction information
- Inspection of external wall materials and façade systems
- Assessment of cavity barriers and fire-stopping arrangements where accessible
- Intrusive investigations where required to establish the wall build-up
- Completion of the EWS1 form where appropriate
Our team has experience assessing a broad range of building types, including apartment developments, purpose-built student accommodation and mixed-use residential schemes across Brighton and the South East.
PAS 9980 Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls (FRAEW)
PAS 9980 provides a structured methodology for assessing the risk of fire spread over external wall systems.
A FRAEW considers the overall life safety risk associated with the external wall construction and takes account of factors such as:
- External wall materials and configuration
- Building height and geometry
- Occupancy characteristics
- Means of escape arrangements
- Active fire protection systems
- Fire and rescue service access
- Existing risk mitigation measures
The assessment seeks to determine whether the external wall system presents an unacceptable level of risk and whether any further measures are required.
Our approach is based on the principles of PAS 9980 and focuses on providing proportionate, evidence-based recommendations that reflect the specific characteristics of each building.
FRAEW Costs
The scope and cost of a FRAEW will depend on the complexity of the building and the level of investigation required.
Typical factors influencing the assessment include:
- Building height and scale
- Number and type of external wall systems present
- Availability of design and construction information
- Access requirements
- Extent of intrusive investigations required
Following an initial review, we can provide a clear proposal outlining the recommended scope of work and associated costs.
External Wall Assessment Services Across Sussex
Our team undertakes EWS1 assessments and PAS 9980 appraisals throughout Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Crawley and the wider Sussex region.
We regularly assist clients with external wall assessments, remediation support, technical reviews and fire safety advice relating to existing residential buildings.
Contact Us
If you require an EWS1 assessment, PAS 9980 appraisal or advice regarding external wall fire safety in Brighton, please contact our team to discuss your project requirements.